In short: Very Very Hot In full: This was my 1st marathon but very pleased I chose Edinburgh. The day was really hot with one of the water stations running out of water but the terrific atmosphere pulled you through. Great finish at Musselburgh racecourse. Date of review: June 6, 2011

In short: Scenic start and easy to get to, nice flat seafront course, a few too many views of Cockenzie Power Station but a great finish past the racecourse furlong poles (and in 2009 there was beer at the end!).Date of review: March 26, 2011

In short: Water, need waterIn full: Decent course for a PB, but ran on a incredibly hot day. The event was spoiled for me due to going though two water stations that had no water in the later stages of the marathon. This drained me both physically and mentally, and was very dangerous for an event of this length in that heat. Due to that it's not an event I'll be returning too.Date of review: October 13, 2010

In short: no water stations very badly organised, shameIn full: many runners ended up without water in 2009 - the organisers said the water was stolen (yeah, OK) but in reality i think they cocked up the delivery. I would only do this race by carrying my own water suply, only way to be sureDate of review: May 9, 2010

In full: Bit of a shame about the water situation, especially in that heat. Got rather horribly burned and very dehydrated, though recognise I was a lot better than some who were so in need of water they had to resort to minesweeping used bottles for dregs. Aside from that the atmosphere was lovely, extremely supportive and the running crowd themselves were very friendly too. Fantastic moments with kiddies running into the street with bowls of jelly beans, and others with hoses from their gardens to soothe parched runners. I could have cried when I finally ran into the stadium because some very kind people remained faithful and cheered wildly for the late finishers. On balance I'll do this again - with a water belt. Then it'll be perfect. Date of review: November 10, 2009

In short: Lots of positives spoiled by one or two negativesIn full: A wonderful day, fab crowds, nice flat course, just disappointed by the organisers and the water shortage which they denied and tried to cover up. I suffer from mile 15-21 and it made my first marathon far more mentally and physically draining than it should have been. Seeing people cramp up, walk and pick up half empty bottles from the sides of the road in desperation made this really tough.But, great city, great medal, buses after were fast, meeting area was a bit messed up, good medal and goody bag, amazing support, lovely scenery.I might be back one day, with my own drinks belt.Date of review: November 10, 2009

In short: Lack of supplies in 09, but good race overallIn full: The lack of supplies at the drinks stations was very unfortunate. Apparently there were a lot of thefts overnight so they're planning to guard the stations before the race in 2010. Other than that hiccup, the race was brilliant. There was great camaraderie between the runners and thousands of supporters. It's also a good race for first-timers or runners seeking a PB because of the mainly flat route. Maybe I'm biased because it was my first marathon, but I thoroughly enjoyed this race and I would definitely recommend it to others, as long as the drinks problem gets sorted out!Date of review: October 19, 2009

In short: Shocking organisation - no drinks at most of the stations went 11miles before getting one - a new runner not a fun runner who was very low priority according to the organisers on the dayDate of review: August 20, 2009